Page 31 of Guarding the Runaway Omega

“True.” Jasper nodded. “And while the Guardian’s toilet paper will never be the same, I managed to escape with only a bump on the forehead.”

He winced. Even if it hadn’t been intentional, the very thought that he’d done anything to hurt his mate sent a jab of pain through him. “I’m so sorry, baby.”

Jasper poked him in the ribs. “I’m teasing you. I’ll always be grateful for your reckless driving skills.” He peered up at him. “But not joking about being careful tomorrow, okay?”

Hawk cupped the back of Jasper’s neck then brought their mouths together, not caring that the Healer and Nic were there with them. Whatever quiet words they’d been sharing while he and Jasper had talked, disappeared as Hawk tasted Jasper, swept his tongue through his mouth over and over. The taste of him, the scent, the feel of his precious mate in his arms was all he’d ever wanted and more than he’d ever dared dream he’d have.

Hawk broke the kiss and smiled down at Jasper. “I have to go now so you can rest.”

Jasper grabbed Hawk’s shirt. “Wait. I thought you weren’t leaving until tomorrow.”

Hawk covered Jasper’s clutching hands. “I’m not. But the Healer wants you to stay here overnight so she can watch over and treat you and I need to get a full night’s sleep so I can be at the top of my game for when we do leave for the prison.”

Jasper nodded but his features remained twisted in sadness. “I’m being selfish, I’m sorry. I don’t want to cause you any problems.”

Hawk chuckled. “Never.” He leaned in to whisper next to Jasper’s ear, “I’ll miss holding you in my arms while we sleep.”

Jasper whispered back. “And fooling around.”

“You’re insatiable.” Hawk chuckled.

Jasper snorted. “Not even close! I just got started, so I’ve got the right to get as much as I can.”

The scent of arousal built between them and Hawk decided he’d better get out of the tiny cabin before things got too awkward.

“I think it’s time for us to say goodnight, baby.”

Jasper let out a sigh. “Yeah, I guess. I’m feeling kind of tired.”

Hawk resisted growling at his mate. Instead, he encouraged him to lie down on the mat. “You have to let us know when you’re not feeling well, all right?” He whispered to him again, “Don’t make me have to spank you when I get back.”

Jasper snickered, but Hawk could see how drained his mate had become again. “Trust me, that’s not an incentive to make me behave.”

Hawk winked then gave him one final kiss before rising. “Close your eyes now, baby. Love you.”

Jasper’s lids shut and he tucked the blanket under his chin, the hint of a smile on his lips. “Love you too.”

As Hawk turned to leave, he was met with the compassionate expressions of Nic and Asha. He approached the healer, the woman who had prevented the loss of Hawk’s entire world.

“I’ll never be able to thank you enough.”

Her smile showed off the multitude of lines in her face, the wrinkles accentuating her wizened mien. “Fulfilling our roles, remember? That’s what the fates require of us and how we demonstrate our respect.”

Hawk nodded, although he sensed he still had so much to learn about his own destiny.

Nic patted his shoulder. “Let’s get you settled. We’ll need to rest up for tomorrow. One more strategy meeting in the morning, then we’ll be on our way.”

Hawk peered over his shoulder, noting that Jasper seemed to have already drifted off to sleep. His lips were parted with his chest rising and falling in an even rhythm. Hawk committed the peaceful scene to memory, his beautiful mate carrying his seed that would soon grow into their child, a picture he could conjure at will should he need to bring it forth in his mind for any reason.

In case I should need a final thought.

* * * *

Jasper gazed around the wood-paneled bedroom of Nic’s father’s home. He was lying on the double bed in what he’d learned had been Nic’s room when he was growing up. He glanced at the clock on the nightstand.

Three o’clock.

He guessed that Hawk, Nic and all the other pack members headed into imminent battle would be halfway to their destination at that point. Right before he’d left, Hawk had stopped by Asha’s cabin to give him one last goodbye. His stomach twisted at his errant thought.